In our ever-changing, complex world, it’s more crucial than ever to know exactly who we are dealing with, be it an employee, tenant, volunteer or partner. On many occasions, it becomes necessary to deep dive into their past to ensure safety and security. In Pennsylvania (PA), this is achieved through comprehensive background checks. This article will explain how the ‘PA background check‘ works and the pivotal role played by the national police check in the process.

What Is A PA Background Check?

Before diving into specifics, we need to understand the core concept of a PA background check. It’s essentially an investigative process where a plethora of backgrounds—criminal, commercial, and financial records of an individual—are thoroughly scrutinized. Employers, landlords, and authorized bodies conduct these background checks to ensure that they are making informed decisions.

The Importance Of The National Police Check

The backbone of any comprehensive PA background check is the national police check. This is an in-depth exploration into an individual’s criminal history, divulging details about any past convictions they may have had across the entire country, not just PA. These checks are usually conducted by employers and authorized organizations who require accurate, up-to-date information.

How Does the National Police Check Work?

The national police check encompasses criminal records held by all law enforcement agencies across the U.S. It includes details about arrests, court convictions, sentences, probation details, and potentially, ongoing criminal investigations. The check is a powerful tool in bail-setting, sentencing for repeat offenders, and for ensuring robust security in sectors involving vulnerable individuals like healthcare, childcare, and education.

How To Conduct A PA Background Check And The National Police Check?

Employers in PA can request background checks from the Pennsylvania State Police Department. They must, however, comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules, obtain the applicant’s written consent, and allow for an appeal process if any negative information is found.For a national police check, an employer must submit a formal request to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They do so by furnishing the individual’s fingerprints and a government-provided identity proof. It’s important to note that the FBI regulations limit the check to certain employment categories and licensing requirements.

What Is Included In The National Police Check?

A comprehensive national police check typically includes information on any indictable and non-indictable offenses, and any pending charges nationwide. It does not, however, display complete traffic violations except for those that led to criminal charges or convictions.

Privacy Concerns and PA Background Check

While these background checks promise security, misuse or error can lead to damaging consequences for individuals. Therefore, Pennsylvania has embraced stringent privacy laws around these checks. Consent is mandatory to run the check, individuals have the right to know the type of information collected about them, and they can challenge and correct any inaccurate data.

Conclusion

In essence, the PA background check—a critical part of which is the national police check—plays a fundamental role in screening persons of interest. It helps create a safe and secure environment in the workplace and at home. Yet, it’s paramount that it’s used judiciously, abiding by privacy regulations to ensure the system’s integrity and reliability.